Formation
1724
Formed during the opening eruption of the Mývatn Fires on May 17, 1724
Víti at Krafla – Vivid Green Crater in North Iceland
A vivid green explosion crater from the 1724 Mývatn Fires, easily reached near Lake Mývatn in North Iceland
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
North Iceland
Krafla volcanic system, near Mývatn
Víti at Krafla is a striking explosion crater filled with vivid green geothermal water, located within the Krafla volcanic system in North Iceland. The crater was formed on May 17, 1724, during the opening phase of the Mývatn Fires (Mývatnseldar), a five-year period of volcanic eruptions that devastated the region. The name Víti, meaning "Hell," was given by locals who believed the eruption was a gateway to the underworld. Today, this easily accessible crater offers one of Iceland's most dramatic volcanic landscapes, with its brilliantly colored water surrounded by steam vents and barren volcanic terrain just a short walk from the parking area.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Stay on marked paths and do not approach the water. Geothermal areas have unstable ground and scalding temperatures. Steam vents can emit toxic gases.
Sources to check
Water Color
Green
Vivid emerald to turquoise green from dissolved minerals, sulfur compounds, and algae
Walk from Parking
5 min
A short, easy walk from the Krafla parking area to the crater rim viewpoint
What to Expect
Vivid Green Water
The crater lake's brilliant green hue shifts between emerald and turquoise depending on the season, making it one of Iceland's most photogenic volcanic features.
Easy Access
Unlike many Icelandic craters, Víti at Krafla requires only a short 5-minute walk from the parking area on a well-maintained path.
Krafla Lava Fields
Nearby Leirhnjúkur features still-steaming lava fields from the Krafla Fires eruptions of 1975-1984, offering a walk across raw volcanic terrain.
Geothermal Activity
Steam vents and fumaroles surround the crater, a reminder that Krafla remains one of Iceland's most active volcanic systems.
Crater Rim Views
The rim provides panoramic views of the crater lake below and the surrounding Krafla caldera landscape stretching to the mountains.
Mývatn Area
Víti is just 20 minutes from Lake Mývatn, making it easy to combine with visits to the Mývatn Nature Baths, Dimmuborgir lava formations, and Námafjall.
Getting There
Víti at Krafla is located approximately 20 minutes from Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. From Reykjahlíð on the eastern shore of Mývatn, take Route 1 east for about 3 km, then turn left onto Route 863 toward the Krafla area. Follow the road past the Krafla geothermal power station to the parking area at the end of the road. From Akureyri, the drive takes about 1.5 hours east along Route 1. The road is paved all the way to the parking area and is accessible to all standard vehicles year-round, though winter conditions may require caution.
Best Time to Visit
Víti at Krafla can be visited year-round thanks to its easy road access, but the best time is from June through August when weather conditions are mildest and the green water color is most vivid. Summer visits also allow you to combine the trip with longer hikes around the Leirhnjúkur lava fields. In winter, the surrounding snow creates a dramatic contrast with the steaming crater, though paths may be icy. The Mývatn area experiences midnight sun from mid-June to mid-July, offering extended visiting hours during summer.
Planning help
Víti at Krafla FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.